US20130032314A1 - Energy conversion device, in particular for underwater compression and pumping station, with improved cooling means - Google Patents
Energy conversion device, in particular for underwater compression and pumping station, with improved cooling means Download PDFInfo
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- US20130032314A1 US20130032314A1 US13/419,725 US201213419725A US2013032314A1 US 20130032314 A1 US20130032314 A1 US 20130032314A1 US 201213419725 A US201213419725 A US 201213419725A US 2013032314 A1 US2013032314 A1 US 2013032314A1
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- Prior art keywords
- coolant
- branch
- inlet
- energy conversion
- conversion device
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- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 title claims description 8
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002545 silicone oil Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/2089—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for power electronics, e.g. for inverters for controlling motor
- H05K7/20927—Liquid coolant without phase change
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0007—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00 for underwater installations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1422—Printed circuit boards receptacles, e.g. stacked structures, electronic circuit modules or box like frames
- H05K7/1427—Housings
- H05K7/1432—Housings specially adapted for power drive units or power converters
- H05K7/14337—Housings specially adapted for power drive units or power converters specially adapted for underwater operation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20218—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a liquid coolant without phase change in electronic enclosures
- H05K7/20272—Accessories for moving fluid, for expanding fluid, for connecting fluid conduits, for distributing fluid, for removing gas or for preventing leakage, e.g. pumps, tanks or manifolds
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an energy conversion device, also called a converter, in particular for an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station.
- Such an underwater station is intended for the exploitation of oil or natural gas, generally in deep waters.
- an energy conversion device in particular for an electric driving system for underwater compression and pumping stations.
- Such an energy conversion device comprises at least one power module, intended to perform the energy conversion function in a known manner.
- the energy conversion device also comprises means for cooling the power module, and a sealed enclosure housing the power module and at least part of the cooling means.
- the cooling means generally comprises a cooling circuit in which a coolant circulates, passing through a heat exchanger with the power module.
- the cooling means also comprises a pump for making the coolant circulate in the circuit.
- the temperature of the seawater surrounding the device is generally between 0° C. and 10° C.
- the dielectric oil contained in the cooling circuit also has a temperature between 0° C. and 10° C.
- the oil has a high viscosity at low temperatures, with the result that it is difficult to make that oil circulate in the circuit. This results in a significant pressure loss in the first exchanger, as well as in the other parts of the circuit, such as lines or a second heat exchanger, whereas the flow rate of the pump remains substantially constant.
- the invention in particular aims to resolve this drawback, by providing an energy conversion device in which the pump is protected from the viscosity problems of the oil at low temperatures.
- the invention in particular relates to an energy conversion device, in particular for an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station, comprising a power module, a means for cooling the power module, and a sealed enclosure housing the power module and at least part of the cooling means, the cooling means including:
- a cooling circuit in which a coolant circulates
- the cooling circuit comprises a pressure regulating branch, extending between a first branch line connected to an outlet of the driving pump, and a second branch line connected to an inlet of said driving pump, the regulating branch including a pressure regulating valve, normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the driving pump exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the pressure regulating valve is then open, with the result that part of the fluid is deviated by the regulating branch to the inlet of the pump, thereby reducing the quantity of fluid circulating in the circuit, and therefore facilitating that circulation by reducing the stresses on the material.
- the fluid circulating in the circuit, through the first exchanger or through the regulating branch, is heated, in particular under the effect of the friction between said viscous fluid and the walls of the conduits forming the cooling circuit. In this way, the temperature of the fluid increases little by little until its viscosity is reduced below a predetermined threshold such that said fluid can circulate without noteworthy stress.
- An energy conversion device can also comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to all technically possible combinations:
- the pressure regulating valve comprises:
- the cooling circuit comprises a three-way control valve, including:
- the three-way control valve is controlled as a function of the temperature of the coolant at a predetermined point, for example at the inlet of that valve, and configured to connect the inlet path to the first outlet path when said temperature of the coolant is above a predetermined temperature threshold, and to connect the inlet path to the second outlet path when said temperature of the coolant is below the predetermined temperature threshold;
- the enclosure is at least partially filled with gas, preferably inert gas, for example nitrogen;
- the enclosure is at least partially filled with a coolant, such as dielectric oil, the coolant circuit being at least partially submerged in said coolant;
- a coolant such as dielectric oil
- the enclosure is completely filled with coolant and comprises a pressure limiting device, intended to limit the pressure in the enclosure when said coolant expands;
- the coolant is a dielectric fluid, preferably a dielectric oil.
- the invention also relates to an electric driving system for an underwater compression and pumping station, comprising an energy conversion device as previously defined.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an energy conversion device according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic axial cross-sectional view of a pressure regulating valve equipping the device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an energy conversion device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows an energy conversion device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- the energy conversion device 10 is in particular designed to equip an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station. To that end, this energy conversion device 10 is intended to be arranged on a sea bottom, at a depth generally comprised between several meters and several kilometers.
- the energy conversion device 10 comprises a sealed enclosure 12 , in which a power module 14 and at least part of the cooling means 16 for said power module 14 are housed.
- the power module 14 comprises electronic power elements, and is capable of performing an energy conversion function.
- the cooling means 16 comprises a cooling circuit 18 , in which a coolant, advantageously a dielectric coolant, circulates.
- a coolant advantageously a dielectric coolant
- the coolant is a dielectric oil, such as silicone oil or the oil marketed under reference MIDEL 7131 by Midel®.
- the cooling means 16 also comprises a first heat exchanger 20 of the traditional type, designed to exchange heat with the power module 14 , through which the cooling circuit 18 passes.
- the first heat exchanger 20 for example assumes the form of a hollow plate, against which electronic power elements of the module 14 are arranged, and in which the dielectric oil circulates.
- the heat exchanger can also comprise heat exchange means by forced circulation through components of the power module 14 , such as resistances and coiled elements.
- the cooling means 16 also comprises a second outside heat exchanger 22 of the traditional type, arranged outside the enclosure 12 , such that the dielectric oil that circulates in said second heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the environment of the energy conversion device 10 , i.e. the seawater.
- the seawater in particular at great depths, typically has a temperature below 10° C., generally approximately equal to 4° C.
- the second heat exchanger 22 can be arranged inside the enclosure 12 , in direct contact with the wall of said enclosure 12 , so as to discharge calories toward the outside seawater surrounding said enclosure 12 .
- the dielectric oil collects calories from the power module 14 by means of the first heat exchanger 20 , and delivers calories to the seawater by means of the second heat exchanger 22 .
- the cooling means 16 lastly comprises at least one pump 24 for making the dielectric oil circulate in the circuit 18 .
- the cooling means 16 comprises at least one backup pump, arranged in parallel with the pump 24 so as to form a redundancy of pumps, capable of taking over in the event the pump 24 malfunctions.
- the pump 24 is of the volumetric type.
- the enclosure 12 is filled with gas, preferably inert gas, for example nitrogen.
- gas preferably inert gas, for example nitrogen.
- the enclosure 12 could be filled with a coolant, such as dielectric oil, so that the cooling circuit 18 is partially or completely submerged in said coolant.
- the device 10 preferably comprises a pressure limiting device, intended to limit the pressure in the enclosure 12 when said fluid expands, in particular under the effect of the temperature.
- the circuit 18 comprises at least one first branch 18 A extending between the pump 24 and the first exchanger 20 , at the outlet of the pump 24 , at least one second branch 18 B extending between the first exchanger 20 and the second exchanger 22 , and at least one third branch 18 C extending between the second exchanger 22 and the pump 24 , at the inlet of said pump 24 .
- the cooling circuit 18 also comprises a regulating branch 26 , extending between a first branch line 27 A with the first branch 18 A, at the outlet of the driving pump 24 , and a second branch line 27 B with the third branch 18 C, at the inlet of the driving pump 24 .
- the regulating branch 26 extends in parallel with the pump 24 , between the outlet and the inlet of said pump 24 .
- the regulating branch 26 comprises a pressure regulating valve 28 , which is normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the driving pump 24 exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example 5 bars.
- FIG. 2 One example of a regulating valve 28 is shown in FIG. 2 .
- This regulating valve 28 comprises a valve body 30 , in which an inlet conduit 26 A, connected to the first branch line 27 A, and a discharge conduit 26 B, connected to the second branch line 27 B, emerge.
- the regulating valve 28 also comprises a piston 32 , movable in the valve body 30 between a covering position, in which the piston 32 rests sealably on a seat 34 so as to cover the intake conduit 26 A, and a release position, in which the piston is moved away from the seat 34 to allow fluid communication between the intake 26 A and discharge 26 B conduits.
- the pressure regulating valve also comprises an elastic return member 34 to return the piston 32 to its covering position
- the stiffness of the elastic member 34 is chosen as a function of said predetermined threshold for the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the pump, to allow the valve 28 to open when said pressure difference is above that predetermined threshold.
- FIG. 3 shows an energy conversion device 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- the elements similar to those of the preceding figures are designated using identical references.
- the cooling circuit 18 comprises a three-way control valve 36 , including an intake path 38 , connected to an outlet branch 18 B 1 of the heat exchanger 20 , a first outlet path 40 , connected to an inlet branch 18 B 2 of the second exchanger 22 , and a second outlet path 42 , connected to a branch 18 D extending toward the inlet of the driving pump 24 .
- the circuit 18 comprises a branch line 44 between said branch 18 D, an outlet branch 18 C 1 of the second heat exchanger 22 , and an inlet branch 18 C 2 in the pump 24 .
- the three-way valve 36 is controlled as a function of the temperature of the dielectric oil at a predetermined point, in particular in the branch 18 B 1 connected to its inlet path 38 .
- a temperature sensor 46 is provided to measure the temperature on that branch 18 B 1 .
- said temperature sensor 46 can be incorporated into the three-way control valve 36 , to measure the temperature of the oil at the intake path 38 .
- the three-way control valve 36 is configured to connect the intake path 38 to the first outlet path 40 when the temperature of the dielectric oil measured by the sensor 46 is above a predetermined temperature threshold, and to connect the intake path 38 to the second outlet path 42 when said temperature is below that threshold.
- valve 36 directs the oil toward the second heat exchanger 22 for normal operation of the cooling circuit 18 .
- a first operating mode of this device 10 is a cold-start mode.
- This cold-start mode is in particular used after a prolonged stoppage of the device, when the temperature of the oil is close to that of the surrounding seawater. In that case, the viscosity of the oil is high, with the result that when the pump 24 is put in operation, the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the pump is relatively high.
- the oil passing through the heat exchanger 20 exits through the branch 18 B 1 , its temperature remaining low, and below the predetermined switching threshold for the three-way control valve 36 .
- This valve 36 therefore directs the oil toward the branch 18 D, toward the pump 24 .
- the oil thus circulates while heating up little by little, in particular through friction of the viscous oil against the walls of the various components of the circuit 18 .
- valve 28 In this operating mode, the valve 28 is closed, and all of the oil passes through the first heat exchanger 20 .
- the heat emitted by said power module heats the oil in the heat exchanger 20 , thereby increasing the temperature thereof.
- the temperature of the oil increases until it exceeds the predetermined threshold beyond which the three-way control valve 36 directs the oil toward the second heat exchanger 22 .
- the cooling circuit 18 can comprise several pressure regulating branches.
- the cooling circuit 18 may comprise, in addition to the regulating branch 26 , a second regulating branch extending between the inlet and the outlet of the first exchanger 20 , so as to limit the pressure difference between that inlet and that outlet, and thereby limit the stresses in said first exchanger 20 .
- said second regulating branch comprises a second pressure regulating valve, which is normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the first exchanger 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example 3 bars.
- Providing several pressure regulating branches makes it possible to adapt the predetermined threshold for opening the corresponding valve as a function of the type of material. In this way, it is possible to provide a first regulating branch 26 for the pump 24 , whereof the valve opens for a pressure difference greater than 5 bars, and a second regulating branch for the first exchanger 20 , whereof the valve opens for a pressure difference above 3 bars.
- all of the pressure regulating branches extend from a pressure reference point.
- This reference point is for example formed by the inlet of the pump, because it is known that the pressure at the inlet of the pump 24 is at most equal to the static pressure of the circuit 18 , i.e. the pressure 24 when the pump is idle.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an energy conversion device, also called a converter, in particular for an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station.
- Such an underwater station is intended for the exploitation of oil or natural gas, generally in deep waters.
- Already known in the state of the art is an energy conversion device, in particular for an electric driving system for underwater compression and pumping stations. Such an energy conversion device comprises at least one power module, intended to perform the energy conversion function in a known manner.
- The energy conversion device also comprises means for cooling the power module, and a sealed enclosure housing the power module and at least part of the cooling means.
- The cooling means generally comprises a cooling circuit in which a coolant circulates, passing through a heat exchanger with the power module. The cooling means also comprises a pump for making the coolant circulate in the circuit.
- It is possible to provide for the use of a dielectric oil as coolant.
- When the energy conversion device is arranged on a sea bottom, the temperature of the seawater surrounding the device is generally between 0° C. and 10° C. Thus, when idle, the dielectric oil contained in the cooling circuit also has a temperature between 0° C. and 10° C.
- However, the oil has a high viscosity at low temperatures, with the result that it is difficult to make that oil circulate in the circuit. This results in a significant pressure loss in the first exchanger, as well as in the other parts of the circuit, such as lines or a second heat exchanger, whereas the flow rate of the pump remains substantially constant.
- In that case, the pressure at the outlet of the pump increases, which creates stresses on the pump and on a motor driving that pump. Such stresses reduce the lifetime of the pump, and generally involve oversizing of the pump, the motor driving the pump, and the electric distribution circuit supplying the motor.
- The invention in particular aims to resolve this drawback, by providing an energy conversion device in which the pump is protected from the viscosity problems of the oil at low temperatures.
- To that end, the invention in particular relates to an energy conversion device, in particular for an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station, comprising a power module, a means for cooling the power module, and a sealed enclosure housing the power module and at least part of the cooling means, the cooling means including:
- a cooling circuit, in which a coolant circulates,
- a first heat exchanger with the power module, through which the coolant passes, and
- at least one pump making the coolant circulate in the circuit, characterized in that the cooling circuit comprises a pressure regulating branch, extending between a first branch line connected to an outlet of the driving pump, and a second branch line connected to an inlet of said driving pump, the regulating branch including a pressure regulating valve, normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the driving pump exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- When the viscosity of the coolant, in particular when said coolant is a dielectric oil, is too high, making the circulation of that fluid difficult in the cooling circuit, in particular in the first exchanger, while the flow rate of the pump remains substantially constant, the pressure at the outlet of the pump increases.
- The pressure regulating valve is then open, with the result that part of the fluid is deviated by the regulating branch to the inlet of the pump, thereby reducing the quantity of fluid circulating in the circuit, and therefore facilitating that circulation by reducing the stresses on the material.
- The fluid circulating in the circuit, through the first exchanger or through the regulating branch, is heated, in particular under the effect of the friction between said viscous fluid and the walls of the conduits forming the cooling circuit. In this way, the temperature of the fluid increases little by little until its viscosity is reduced below a predetermined threshold such that said fluid can circulate without noteworthy stress.
- An energy conversion device according to the invention can also comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to all technically possible combinations:
- the pressure regulating valve comprises:
-
- a valve body in which an intake conduit, connected to the first branch line, and a discharge conduit, connected to the second branch line, emerge,
- a piston, movable in the valve body between a covering position, in which the piston rests sealably on a seat so as to cover the intake conduit, and a release position, in which the piston is moved away from the seat to allow fluid communication between the intake and discharge conduits, and
- an elastic return member to return the piston to its covering position;
- the cooling circuit comprises a three-way control valve, including:
-
- an intake path, connected to an outlet branch of the first heat exchanger,
- a first outlet path, connected to an inlet branch of a second heat exchanger, and
- a second outlet path, connected to a branch connected to the inlet of the driving pump;
- the three-way control valve is controlled as a function of the temperature of the coolant at a predetermined point, for example at the inlet of that valve, and configured to connect the inlet path to the first outlet path when said temperature of the coolant is above a predetermined temperature threshold, and to connect the inlet path to the second outlet path when said temperature of the coolant is below the predetermined temperature threshold;
- the enclosure is at least partially filled with gas, preferably inert gas, for example nitrogen;
- the enclosure is at least partially filled with a coolant, such as dielectric oil, the coolant circuit being at least partially submerged in said coolant;
- the enclosure is completely filled with coolant and comprises a pressure limiting device, intended to limit the pressure in the enclosure when said coolant expands; and
- the coolant is a dielectric fluid, preferably a dielectric oil.
- The invention also relates to an electric driving system for an underwater compression and pumping station, comprising an energy conversion device as previously defined.
- The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, provided solely as an example and done in reference to the appended figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an energy conversion device according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic axial cross-sectional view of a pressure regulating valve equipping the device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a view similar toFIG. 1 of an energy conversion device according to a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 1 shows anenergy conversion device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. - The
energy conversion device 10 is in particular designed to equip an electric driving system of an underwater compression and pumping station. To that end, thisenergy conversion device 10 is intended to be arranged on a sea bottom, at a depth generally comprised between several meters and several kilometers. - The
energy conversion device 10 comprises a sealedenclosure 12, in which apower module 14 and at least part of the cooling means 16 for saidpower module 14 are housed. - In a known manner, the
power module 14 comprises electronic power elements, and is capable of performing an energy conversion function. - The cooling means 16 comprises a
cooling circuit 18, in which a coolant, advantageously a dielectric coolant, circulates. - Preferably, the coolant is a dielectric oil, such as silicone oil or the oil marketed under reference MIDEL 7131 by Midel®.
- The cooling means 16 also comprises a
first heat exchanger 20 of the traditional type, designed to exchange heat with thepower module 14, through which thecooling circuit 18 passes. Thefirst heat exchanger 20 for example assumes the form of a hollow plate, against which electronic power elements of themodule 14 are arranged, and in which the dielectric oil circulates. The heat exchanger can also comprise heat exchange means by forced circulation through components of thepower module 14, such as resistances and coiled elements. - The cooling means 16 also comprises a second
outside heat exchanger 22 of the traditional type, arranged outside theenclosure 12, such that the dielectric oil that circulates in saidsecond heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the environment of theenergy conversion device 10, i.e. the seawater. It will be noted that the seawater, in particular at great depths, typically has a temperature below 10° C., generally approximately equal to 4° C. - Alternatively, the
second heat exchanger 22 can be arranged inside theenclosure 12, in direct contact with the wall of saidenclosure 12, so as to discharge calories toward the outside seawater surrounding saidenclosure 12. - In this way, the dielectric oil collects calories from the
power module 14 by means of thefirst heat exchanger 20, and delivers calories to the seawater by means of thesecond heat exchanger 22. - The cooling means 16 lastly comprises at least one
pump 24 for making the dielectric oil circulate in thecircuit 18. Preferably, the cooling means 16 comprises at least one backup pump, arranged in parallel with thepump 24 so as to form a redundancy of pumps, capable of taking over in the event thepump 24 malfunctions. - Advantageously, the
pump 24 is of the volumetric type. - According to the described embodiment, the
enclosure 12 is filled with gas, preferably inert gas, for example nitrogen. - However, alternatively, the
enclosure 12 could be filled with a coolant, such as dielectric oil, so that thecooling circuit 18 is partially or completely submerged in said coolant. In the event theenclosure 12 is completely filled with liquid, thedevice 10 preferably comprises a pressure limiting device, intended to limit the pressure in theenclosure 12 when said fluid expands, in particular under the effect of the temperature. - The
circuit 18 comprises at least onefirst branch 18A extending between thepump 24 and thefirst exchanger 20, at the outlet of thepump 24, at least onesecond branch 18B extending between thefirst exchanger 20 and thesecond exchanger 22, and at least onethird branch 18C extending between thesecond exchanger 22 and thepump 24, at the inlet of saidpump 24. - The
cooling circuit 18 also comprises aregulating branch 26, extending between afirst branch line 27A with thefirst branch 18A, at the outlet of thedriving pump 24, and asecond branch line 27B with thethird branch 18C, at the inlet of thedriving pump 24. In other words, theregulating branch 26 extends in parallel with thepump 24, between the outlet and the inlet of saidpump 24. - The regulating
branch 26 comprises apressure regulating valve 28, which is normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of thedriving pump 24 exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example 5 bars. - One example of a regulating
valve 28 is shown inFIG. 2 . - This regulating
valve 28 comprises avalve body 30, in which aninlet conduit 26A, connected to thefirst branch line 27A, and adischarge conduit 26B, connected to thesecond branch line 27B, emerge. - The regulating
valve 28 also comprises apiston 32, movable in thevalve body 30 between a covering position, in which thepiston 32 rests sealably on aseat 34 so as to cover theintake conduit 26A, and a release position, in which the piston is moved away from theseat 34 to allow fluid communication between theintake 26A and discharge 26B conduits. The pressure regulating valve also comprises anelastic return member 34 to return thepiston 32 to its covering position - In this way, when the pressure at the outlet of the
pump 24 increases, this pressure causes a first pressure force on a first surface of thepiston 32 that is across from theintake conduit 26A. This pressure force opposes the sum of an elastic return force caused by theelastic member 34 and a second pressure force opposite the first, caused by the pressure at the inlet of thepump 24 on a second surface of thepiston 32 that is turned toward thedischarge conduit 26B. - The stiffness of the
elastic member 34 is chosen as a function of said predetermined threshold for the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the pump, to allow thevalve 28 to open when said pressure difference is above that predetermined threshold. -
FIG. 3 shows anenergy conversion device 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the elements similar to those of the preceding figures are designated using identical references. - According to this second embodiment, the cooling
circuit 18 comprises a three-way control valve 36, including anintake path 38, connected to an outlet branch 18B1 of theheat exchanger 20, afirst outlet path 40, connected to an inlet branch 18B2 of thesecond exchanger 22, and asecond outlet path 42, connected to abranch 18D extending toward the inlet of the drivingpump 24. - In fact, the
circuit 18 comprises abranch line 44 between saidbranch 18D, an outlet branch 18C1 of thesecond heat exchanger 22, and an inlet branch 18C2 in thepump 24. - Preferably, the three-
way valve 36 is controlled as a function of the temperature of the dielectric oil at a predetermined point, in particular in the branch 18B1 connected to itsinlet path 38. To that end, atemperature sensor 46 is provided to measure the temperature on that branch 18B1. Alternatively, saidtemperature sensor 46 can be incorporated into the three-way control valve 36, to measure the temperature of the oil at theintake path 38. - The three-
way control valve 36 is configured to connect theintake path 38 to thefirst outlet path 40 when the temperature of the dielectric oil measured by thesensor 46 is above a predetermined temperature threshold, and to connect theintake path 38 to thesecond outlet path 42 when said temperature is below that threshold. - In this way, when the temperature of the dielectric oil is too low, for example below 30° C., its viscosity is considered too high, with the result that that dielectric oil is redirected toward the
pump 24, through thebranch 18D, rather than being directed toward thesecond heat exchanger 22, in which the oil would lose calories. - However, when the temperature of the oil corresponds to a satisfactory viscosity for that oil, the
valve 36 directs the oil toward thesecond heat exchanger 22 for normal operation of thecooling circuit 18. - Different operating modes of the
energy conversion device 10 as described in reference toFIG. 3 will be described below. - A first operating mode of this
device 10 is a cold-start mode. This cold-start mode is in particular used after a prolonged stoppage of the device, when the temperature of the oil is close to that of the surrounding seawater. In that case, the viscosity of the oil is high, with the result that when thepump 24 is put in operation, the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the pump is relatively high. - This high pressure difference exceeds the predetermined threshold, with the result that the
valve 28 is open. Part of the oil therefore passes through the regulatingbranch 26, therefore reducing the quantity of oil circulating in thefirst heat exchanger 20. - The oil passing through the
heat exchanger 20 exits through the branch 18B1, its temperature remaining low, and below the predetermined switching threshold for the three-way control valve 36. Thisvalve 36 therefore directs the oil toward thebranch 18D, toward thepump 24. - The oil thus circulates while heating up little by little, in particular through friction of the viscous oil against the walls of the various components of the
circuit 18. - This temperature increase implies a decrease in viscosity, with the result that the circulation of the oil in that circuit is favored. The pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the
pump 24 is then reduced little by little, until thevalve 28 is completely closed. - When the oil reaches a temperature at which its viscosity is sufficient to allow proper operation of the
first heat exchanger 20, one goes to a second operating mode, in which thepower module 14 is brought into operation. - In this operating mode, the
valve 28 is closed, and all of the oil passes through thefirst heat exchanger 20. - When the
power module 14 is in operation, the heat emitted by said power module heats the oil in theheat exchanger 20, thereby increasing the temperature thereof. The temperature of the oil increases until it exceeds the predetermined threshold beyond which the three-way control valve 36 directs the oil toward thesecond heat exchanger 22. - One then goes to a normal operating mode of the
cooling circuit 18. - It will be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described, but may assume various alternatives without going beyond the scope of the claims.
- In particular, the cooling
circuit 18 can comprise several pressure regulating branches. - For example, the cooling
circuit 18 may comprise, in addition to the regulatingbranch 26, a second regulating branch extending between the inlet and the outlet of thefirst exchanger 20, so as to limit the pressure difference between that inlet and that outlet, and thereby limit the stresses in saidfirst exchanger 20. In that case, said second regulating branch comprises a second pressure regulating valve, which is normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of thefirst exchanger 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example 3 bars. - It is also possible to consider arranging another pressure regulating branch between the inlet and the outlet of the
second exchanger 22. - Providing several pressure regulating branches makes it possible to adapt the predetermined threshold for opening the corresponding valve as a function of the type of material. In this way, it is possible to provide a first regulating
branch 26 for thepump 24, whereof the valve opens for a pressure difference greater than 5 bars, and a second regulating branch for thefirst exchanger 20, whereof the valve opens for a pressure difference above 3 bars. - According to another alternative, all of the pressure regulating branches extend from a pressure reference point. This reference point is for example formed by the inlet of the pump, because it is known that the pressure at the inlet of the
pump 24 is at most equal to the static pressure of thecircuit 18, i.e. thepressure 24 when the pump is idle. - In this way, it is relatively simple to tare the valve of each regulating branch, to limit the pressure at the point to which said regulating branch extends, as a function of the known pressure of the reference point from which said regulating branch extends. Control is thus allowed, at any desired point of the circuit, of the relative pressure of that point with the pressure of the reference point.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1152041A FR2972894B1 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2011-03-14 | ENERGY CONVERTING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A SUB-MARINE COMPRESSION AND PUMPING STATION, WITH IMPROVED COOLING MEANS |
FR1152041 | 2011-03-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130032314A1 true US20130032314A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
US9386729B2 US9386729B2 (en) | 2016-07-05 |
Family
ID=45808354
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/419,725 Active 2035-01-17 US9386729B2 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2012-03-14 | Energy conversion device, in particular for underwater compression and pumping station, with improved cooling means |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9386729B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2501212B1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2972894B1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20150184660A1 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-07-02 | General Electric Company | Methods and systems for subsea boosting with direct current and alternating current power systems |
US20150184658A1 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-07-02 | General Electric Company | Methods and systems for direct current power system subsea boosting |
US20160381840A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Underwater container cooling via integrated heat exchanger |
US9844167B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2017-12-12 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Underwater container cooling via external heat exchanger |
US20180077821A1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Hcl Technologies Limited | Energy Conversion Apparatus and Method for Generating Electric Energy from Waste Heat Source |
US11150025B2 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2021-10-19 | Raytheon Company | Heat exchangers for multi-axis gimbal pointing or targeting systems |
US20210378142A1 (en) * | 2020-05-26 | 2021-12-02 | Hongfujin Precision Electronics(Tianjin)Co.,Ltd. | Heat dissipation device and server using same |
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JP5798402B2 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2015-10-21 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Cooling system |
EP2928275A1 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2015-10-07 | ABB Technology Ltd | Arrangement for cooling components of a subsea electric system |
EP2988579B1 (en) * | 2014-08-22 | 2019-06-12 | ABB Schweiz AG | Oil cooling configuration for an electronic subsea system |
NO345688B1 (en) * | 2020-04-15 | 2021-06-14 | Vetco Gray Scandinavia As | Subsea closed loop cooling system |
CN112752484A (en) * | 2020-12-22 | 2021-05-04 | 滁州安飞信电子科技有限公司 | Heat radiation structure for submarine communication equipment |
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US11150025B2 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2021-10-19 | Raytheon Company | Heat exchangers for multi-axis gimbal pointing or targeting systems |
US20210378142A1 (en) * | 2020-05-26 | 2021-12-02 | Hongfujin Precision Electronics(Tianjin)Co.,Ltd. | Heat dissipation device and server using same |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2972894A1 (en) | 2012-09-21 |
FR2972894B1 (en) | 2013-04-26 |
EP2501212B1 (en) | 2013-11-13 |
EP2501212A1 (en) | 2012-09-19 |
US9386729B2 (en) | 2016-07-05 |
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